I see they suggest offering the tenants the option of paying by Credit Card.

Either way, there are a number of good options currently on the market for the goals you have laid out.

fresh real-time data is ESSENTIAL if you want you and your investors to stay ahead of the curve and know trends before they are widely spread, which in turn will make your investors happy which will make you look like a safe bet in their eyes, so real time data is IT 

What are other options to buy and hold while recycling my cash and not getting too deep on negative cash flow?

Also, after reading RPI by Brandon Turner, I'm aware of multiple strategies, but since I've never actually invested or bought a property yet, I feel like I'm overwhelemd by all the options, and find it hard to get started. 

You will then have a few options with that rent money....you can put it into principal or you can start saving it to purchase yet another property.

Looking out of state will likely be your best option.

There are quite a few other options that you should consider before walking away, though.It sounds like maybe a fix-and-flip loan would be a viable option for you.

Most FSBO's in my area are not good enough to be Wholesaled but may make for a good Lease Option.

You will then have a few options with that rent money....you can put it into principal or you can start saving it to purchase yet another property.